'The GAA is such a unique thing'

Timmy Hammersley described the GAA as the "lifeblood of the whole of Ireland" after helping Clonoulty-Rossmore to their first Tipperary SHC title in 21 years yesterday.

In a brilliant interview with RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport, the 2010 Tipperary All-Ireland winner highlighted the vital role the GAA has to play in rural Ireland in particular.

"It just means so much to the people of Clonoulty and Rossmore. Family, friends, it's such a small place," he said after firing over a dozen points in his side's surprise Dan Breen Cup victory over Nenagh Éire Óg.

"I didn't want to win it for myself. It's for the people you grow up with.

"Rural Ireland has got a lot of bad coverage over the past while, jobs and so on, but you just want to give people something to be happy about. Whether it's the woman who washes the jerseys, who sells tickets or trains the U10 team, it's all one.

"You can't beat your parish and your club and your community. It's the lifeblood of the whole of Ireland really.

"What separates Ireland from other countries is the GAA. It's such a unique thing that brings people together."